Why some lung and esophageal cancers resist radiation
Ferroptosis resistance as a key driver in acquired radiation resistance
This project tries to make radiation work better for people with lung or esophageal cancer by reversing the tumors' ability to avoid a form of cell death called ferroptosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use CRISPR-based screens and lab studies of cancer cell lines to identify the genes and pathways that allow tumors to resist ferroptosis. They will test drugs that induce ferroptosis together with radiation and immunotherapy in cell and animal models of lung and esophageal cancer. The team will focus on cancers that developed resistance after prior radiation and check whether these combinations can overcome resistance without harming normal tissue. If preclinical results are promising, the work is intended to guide future patient trials or treatment options for people with recurrent thoracic cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung or esophageal cancer whose tumors have become resistant to radiation or who have recurrent disease after radiotherapy would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers outside the chest, tumors already sensitive to radiation, or those who cannot take experimental drugs may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help people with recurrent or radiation-resistant lung and esophageal cancers respond better to radiation and immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that inducing ferroptosis can make some tumors more sensitive to radiation, but using this approach to reverse acquired radiation resistance is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gan, Boyi — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gan, Boyi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.